THERESA May’s Florence speech will go down in history as a symbol of a “rebirth” for the UK as it leaves the European Union, the Trade Secretary has declared.

Liam Fox thinks Florence will become a symbol of a new relationship with the EU

Liam Fox believes the vote for Brexit was not just a decision to leave the EU but was also a decision of how the UK’s democracy works in the future.

He said that while cities like Lisbon or Maastricht represent ever closer union with the EU, he believes the city synonymous with the Renaissance, Florence, symbolises a “new, more open and future-orientated relationship”.

Mr Fox added that Mrs May’s Florence speech set out a bold and ambitious vision in terms of economic partnership and security relationship.

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The Trade Secretary, writing for the Telegraph, said: “Throughout the speech, the message was clear: while we are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe. These words have been said many times over the last 14 months, but they have only been repeated because they reveal a profound truth about what our country is like.

“Britain has always stood with its friends and allies in defence of our shared values, our security and our prosperity. That will never change, but this commitment will now be fulfilled as a sovereign nation, where the British people are in control.”

He now calls for the EU to declare its intentions, which means not just focusing on withdrawal arrangements but also future trade.

Anti-Brexit protest ahead of Theresa May's Brexit speech

Fri, September 22, 2017

Live photos as anti-Brexit British expats protesting in Florence ahead of Theresa May’s speech

Protesters with placards in Piazza Santa Maria Novella (Santa Maria Novella's Square) for the event of the no Brexit Demonstration, in Florence

The Trade Secretary claimed there is mutual interest to build a new economic trade relationship and new security relationship quickly as he insisted that ties with the EU are “hugely important”.

He said: "There are those who talk as though Europe is unimportant for the UK in terms of trade or investment – as though we can choose between our economic relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.

“We cannot – they’re both hugely important for our future economic well-being as we leave the EU it will remain a crucial market for the UK.”

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Liam Fox said the message of the PM's speech is that the UK is leaving the EU, not Europe

The UK’s proportion of trade with the UK has fallen from 54.7 per cent in 2001 to 43.9 per cent today, but Mr Fox has insisted this is still a large and accessible market for British goods and services.

He said: “What is already clear is that departing the EU will also require leaving the Single Market and the Customs Union, so that we will be able to pursue the independent and liberalising trade policy that will allow Britain to take advantage of global trade opportunities.

“With the right attitude and application, this new economic partnership is perfectly achievable. It will also be complemented by a new security partnership. One that is comprehensive, covering security, law enforcement and criminal justice co-operation.

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Liam Fox claims he has established 12 trade “working groups” with 17 countries

“To do that the Prime Minister has proposed a strictly time-limited implementation period – around two years – where we will continue to have access to one another’s markets.”

Mr Fox said his department has been busy preparing trade deals with countries across the world and that he has hired Crawford Falconer, an internationally-recognised trade expert with 25-years experience as Chief Trade Negotiator.

He claims he has established 12 trade “working groups” with 17 countries to explore the best way to improve trade and investment relationships.

He concluded: “We must grasp the opportunities of Brexit and use them as a springboard to a truly global Britain, open for business at home and ready to partner with the best of the rest of the world.

“Brexit was a break with the past, but not from our European friends. That’s why we can achieve a new partnership with the EU. One that is ambitious for a shared future, and delivers prosperity for all the people of Europe.”